A Sporting Clays Enthusiast's Christmas Wish List

     When I was a small boy, one of my favorite tasks as Christmas neared was to make a wish list.  I realize I am too old to expect Santa to bring me such a special gift, but my wife or other members of my family need to know what I "need" for a Christmas gift.  After all, the proper present will probably make me a better shooter as well as make me look better while shooting.  

    Seriously, while we are dreaming, this list comes to mind.  Some of the items are realistic, while others are ...as we all say, "if I had the money I would have a..."

• A complete set of those color coded titanium chokes for my Browning O/U.
• Full length choke tubes so I can shoot different gauges in one gun.
• A red, lifted, enclosed, heated, gasoline powered golf cart with those big nobby tires. I guess I could buy the trailer myself.
• Prescription shooting glasses with interchangeable colored lenses.
• A Kreighoff.  Enough said.
• A $3000 automatic reloader.
• Ten flats of AA Super Sporting Clays ammunition. ( The buyer can choose 71/2 or 8 sized shot)
• A $1000 gift certificate to Cabelas or any other sporting supplies store.
• A complete set of shooting attire.  It would be nice if the buyers co-ordinated the outfits according to the seasons.  My sizes are available by email.
• A shooting bag that will hold at least 5 boxes of shells, all my choke tubes, wrenches, oil, drinks, and snacks.
• 20 bags of shot.  I want to choose my own primers, wads, and powder.
• A 10 lesson gift certificate to be used with a certified shooting instructor.

    That's enough.  I wouldn't want to be seen as extravagant.  Ha!  So what's really on my Christmas wish list?

• Health good enough that I can shoot each week and enjoy my friends and the outdoors.
• A loving wife and family.
• A good place to worship and study my religion.
• A pheasant hunt or two with my Brittany.
• An opportunity to pay back the people who have helped me through the years.

    Thanks for reading this blog and may I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a better New Year.


"The problem is not the availability of guns, it is the availability of morons."
- Antonio Meloni

Why Not a 16 Gauge?

    I participated this past weekend in a small gauge sporting clays competition at our local site.  I understand that a small gauge is any gauge less than a 12 gauge.  So, I shot the first round (50 birds) with a 20 gauge O/U and shot okay, but not as well as usual.  The course was not a "20 gauge course" as some might think.  (easier?) The last 2 stations would be considered difficult even with a 12 gauge and tight chokes.  I know the course must have a station or two to separate the "men from the boys".  Would 1 ounce 20 gauge loads have helped?  I doubt it.  (I did use mod and full chokes)
    I decided to shoot my "el-cheapo" Stoeger 16 gauge O/U (fixed mod and full choked barrels) the second round.  The ammunition I used was 1 ounce 7 1/2 shot self-loaded Fiocchi shells.  I couldn't believe the difference! (9 more broken targets)  I realize that shooting the course a second time should help, but distant targets I missed the first round were broken with ease.  I think I was the only person to shoot a 16 gauge the whole day.
    Whenever someone asks me what gauge my gun is and finds out it is a 16 gauge, they admit one of their first shooting experiences was with a 16 gauge or they have an old one in the gun cabinet at home, but rarely use it.  This observation led me to research different Internet sites on the present use of 16 gauge shotguns for sporting clays.  Here are some of the items I found.

• Shooters didn't like 16 gauge barrels on the 12 gauge frames as on some of the newer guns.  They felt the gun was still too heavy to swing as easily as a 20 gauge.
• Shooters said a 20 gauge 1 ounce load was as effective as a 1 ounce 16 gauge load and their 20 gauge or 28 gauge gun was lighter and swung more easily. Also, 3 inch chambers are not available.
• Readers complained they couldn't find reloading supplies (especially wads) to reload their hard to find 16 gauge shells.
• Non-reloaders complained about the price of a box of 16 gauge 7 1/2 to 8 sized shot. ($10-$12 per box)
• Some contributors said their 16 gauge gun had fixed chokes and didn't allow them to mix and match different sporting clays presentations.
• Some shooters hinted at "brand-lusting".  They intimated that unless you shoot a Browning, Krieghoff, or some other "better made" gun that you would not be successful shooting sporting clays.
• Another group said the newer 16 gauges were just too expensive.
• Finally, some said few good auto loading 16 gauges are available.

    Here are a few of my thoughts about using the 16 gauge shotgun for sporting clays. (Or even hunting)

• My Stoeger weighs 7 pounds with 28 inch barrels. While not much lighter than a 12 gauge, it is more streamlined and compact than many auto loaders.  The main objection I had to a little 28 gauge that I used was that the 28 gauge, being lighter, hit my shoulder harder, so it seemed.
• Some experts call the 16 a "sweet 16" because the shot column height and width has square  dimensions creating an evenly distributed shot pattern.  Only an expert could prove this phenomenon makes it better than a 20 gauge shot column.  I do know that I hit a lot more targets with the 16 gauge than a 20, 28, or .410 gauge shotgun.
• Reloading components are now becoming more available.  Claybuster CB0100-16, 1 ounce wads are available at Sportsman's Den in Shelby, Ohio, as well as Ballistics Products, Inc. (www.ballisticproducts.com ).  For empty hulls, I shoot local Walmart purchased ones and save the spent hulls for reloading, and have had about 1000 hulls given to me by old timers (ha) who used to shoot the 16 regularly.  Ballistics also has 16 gauge hulls for sale (expensive!) to get started with.  I also was lucky enough to be given a 16 gauge Mec Jr. reloader by a friend who seems to be able to find just about any shooting supply in Ohio.  I spend less than four dollars a box to reload the 16 gauge.
• Reloading recipes are available on the Internet if you search hard enough.  I use 19.5 grains of Unique powder, 1 ounce of shot, Win 209 primers, CB0100-16 wads listed at 1220 ft/sec. I do not like sites that want you to pay for their recipes! Ballistics has a book called "Sixteen Gauge Manual - 6th Edition" for sale also.
• Nostalgia is important to me, because older guns and gauges really interest me.  There is something to be said about taking the path less followed.  I love to hunt pheasants with my 16 gauge.  I wish my dad had handed me down one of those bottom ejecting 16 gauge pump guns.
• So far, my 16 gauge Stoeger "farmer's gun" ($250 after rebate) has worked flawlessly.  I've shot about 2000 rounds through it in one year.  So, I say pooey to those people who say a 16 gauge is too expensive to try out and a gun like the Stoeger is a waste of money.
• Humm... Fixed chokes?  I have a challenge for you.  Shoot several rounds of sporting clays or skeet with mod/full or full/full in your trusty O/U shotgun.  Truthfully, I shoot better with more closed chokes.  Some people spend more time changing choke tubes at each station instead of concentrating on where or how to break the target!  Learn to have confidence in your technique, not your tools!
• I don't like auto loaders for sporting clays anyway.  All that clinking and clanging and extra cleaning are bothersome.  (I did start shooting with a Remington 1187 auto loader.)

    If you are interested in reading more about the 16 gauge shotgun, follow the path listed below.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/16_gauge_wakeman.htm
http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/guns/2002/06/16-gauge-revival

    Get off your duff, do something different for a change.  Dust off and clean that old 16 gauge in your closet, or borrow one and accept my challenge to you at your favorite sporting clays site.  I think you will have fun as well as success with these forgotten guns!  I would, myself, be interested in a local sporting clays competition open to just 16 gauge shooters.  How about you?

"Know guns, no crime. No guns, know crime."- Ralph Lauretano

The Adventures of Buying a Golf Cart

    I thought buying a golf cart for shooting sporting clays courses would be a simple process.  However, the opposite was true.  Everywhere I turned seemed to have an obstacle as big as Goliath.  Here is how my adventure unfolded.
    First, I owned two 4-wheelers and I enlisted the help of Craigslist to sell them so I could afford a good used golf cart.  Wow, I sold both of them in less than a week and received the asking price for each.  Cash in hand, I searched the local Craiglist for carts and found at several I was interested in.  Some friends said a battery powered cart was the better choice while others said replacing old batteries was very expensive and a gas powered cart was the way to go.
    The first cart I considered was a gas powered Yamaha.  It had fancy wheels and a rough faded exterior and when I looked at the motor, it was dirt covered at least an inch thick.  Wouldn't you think a guy would clean it up to sell it?  The price was non-negotiable and I thought I could do much better.  Have you ever noticed that a seller has an inflated idea of what their item is worth?  I walked away from that one quickly.

    Next, I considered a nicely kept ten year old battery powered cart.  The owner said the batteries were as good as new (yea, right) and he hadn't bothered to charge them all summer, so they were dead.  Buying six batteries at $140 to $160 each is not a good situation.  He wanted a ridiculous price and the cart even had a flat tire! Thanks, but no thanks.
    I made reservations to see other advertised carts and found out that most of them were being sold because they were pretty well used up.  Some owners had a new cart hidden in their back yard or garages and were eager to get rid of their old filthy ones at an unreasonable price.  I even visited certified dealers of golf carts.  What an experience!  The salesmen were not interested in helping me (unless I wanted to buy an $8000 new cart) and were arrogant.  They must have thought my IQ was really low when I mentioned I wanted a cart for sporting clays.  I finally asked one of the managers if he was interested in selling any golf carts and I didn't appreciate the way I was being treated.  He told me the market was very good at this time and I had better get used to it.  OK,  I took a roll of cash out of my pocket, waved it in his face, and left.  He did sputter a lot!  Ha!

    My final adventure occurred when I responded to a beautiful gas powered, red colored, lifted, chrome wheeled cart being sold on Craigslist from a nearby city by a "newly divorced mother" for only $1600.  I knew the page looked too professional, but I responded with an email.  I received a prompt reply that a purchase must be handled through Ebay's buyer protection program.  Hum... Ebay on Craigslist?  No way.  As I feared, it was a complete scam.  Did they think I would pay for an item I had not even seen?  There are scammers everywhere!
    At this point, I gave up buying a golf cart for at least this year.  I found it a lot cheaper to ride in a friend's cart.  If money is no object, plenty of shiny new carts are available to the buyer.  Good luck for the rest of us!

    I hope you have a better experience purchasing things than I did.  Now, I can get back to writing about sporting clays.

Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.           - William Arthur Ward
Half the lies they tell about me aren't true.
          - Yogi Berra
   
  

Do I Need a Golf Cart to Shoot Sporting Clays?

    I grew up on a farm, played football, coached football, and mow my own yard.  One of the excuses I use to shoot regularily is the need for a hobby that provides some exercise for my 60 plus year old body.  I do admit, however, that I ride a golf cart with friends to travel from station to station as we shoot.  I have been searching my mind for reasons (excuses) to purchase my own golf cart. 
    I will discuss the cons first.    

• I need the exercise of walking between stations.
• Cost: Initially purchasing the cart and insurance.  Replacing tires, buying gasoline or batteries, gun racks, paying for repairs, and a purchasing a trailer to haul the cart.
• A storage place at home to keep the cart.  Most neighborhoods don't want to see a cart parked in the yard.
• Safety: hauling the cart or wrecking it due to poor driving.
• My wife. This a very important reason.  Ha!

    Now, the pros for purchasing a golf cart.

• Health.  Many of the people I shoot with are reaching an advanced age and can't walk from station to station.  If not for the golf carts, they would not be able to keep shooting sporting clays.
• Competitiveness.  Riding in the cart slows fatigue from walking and carrying, allowing for better concentration.
• Utility:  The cart can carry all the equipment needed to shoot 50 to 100 shot shells per round on the course, plus a heavy shotgun and shooting bag.  If someone has forgotten something or they need a prune juice break, the cart becomes very valuable.  The cart can carry rain gear, water, insect repellent, hand warmers, first aid kits, extra guns in case of malfunction, choke tubes, sun screen lotion, and of course, your hunting dog.
• Speed.  Unless your shooting pals discuss every shot or get sidetracked talking about hunting adventures, the course can be completed faster saving valuable time for yard mowing, sports viewing, or completing the wife's "honey do" list.

    As you can see, I have probably talked myself into purchasing a golf cart.  So, now begins research into getting a good cart at a reasonable price.  My next blog will deal with the results of this adventure.
    Do you have any hints for me?  Should I keep depending on my friends for a ride?

The West was not won with a registered gun."
- unknown
 

Has Sporting Clays Become Too Commercialized?

    As I was reading a book about how churches, clubs, and other groups have resorted to gimmicks and other advertising ploys to attract people, I realized Sporting Clays shooting has followed a similar path.  Does this sport exist for the shooters? Or does it exist for the gun and ammunition manufacturers, or shooting clubs, or sports clothing companies?  I would think that the shooter would be attracted to Sporting Clays for exercise, fellowship, competition, and mental relaxation.  So, what has happened?
    Magazines, computer chat groups and forum sites, and television programs are littered with people telling the shooter that he must shoot a certain gun, use a certain load, stand a certain way, wear certain clothes, and shoot at only certain sites.  What started out as a service to shooters has become a means for the above groups to make money without regard for the shooter.  Is it right to charge a fee to read some one's personal opinions about how to shoot "properly"?  Just as the church should exist for the people, sporting clays should exist for the shooters, not the other way around.

    So, how does a church, a club, or even a shooting sport continue to exist without creatively attracting new members?  Education is the answer.  In the case of Sporting Clays, the shooter must be provided with opportunities to learn how to mature in their shooting abilities and become a more effective shooter.  Let's face it, we might say that just shooting the gun is fun, (especially when we have a bad day) but, in reality, breaking the targets is the real goal we have in mind when we shoot. 

    A club could provide free shooting instructions, sporting guns demonstrations, reloading demonstrations, and shooting stations designed to be attractive to all shooters, not just the "master" shooters. These activities are not gimmicks because they are designed primarily to help the shooter, not some business.  Word of mouth expressed by satisfied, motivated shooters would increase the participants of the sport at local facilities.  Did you ever wonder why so many shooters participate for a short period of time and then quit?  They become frustrated because they feel they can't learn how to compete on their own.

    As a retired teacher and coach, I found one of the most difficult aspects of the learning process was to motivate the students to learn on their own time, not merely taking notes, going home, and then repeating the process daily.  Education increases success; success increases motivation; and motivation increases participation.   

    I hope you understand the meaning of my ramblings.  Do you agree that the basics of sporting clays as a true "sport" are being ignored and harmed by commercialization?

"My goal is to translate response into results. Some teachers teach for others to learn. That's not me. Some teachers teach for others to accomplish. That is me."
- Anonymous

Sporting Clays Can Be a Humbling Experience

    Have you ever been shooting Sporting Clays especially well only to fall flat on your face the next time out?  I missed 10-15 more birds than usual.  I wish I could pinpoint the reason(s) for my sudden fall.  I had developed a proven (or I though was proven) plan to follow each time I shot two rounds of Sporting Clays, regardless of the course.  I though I had finally reached a point of proper experience and knowledge to make me more consistent and therefore more "successful" in breaking those dastardly clay birds.  Being a retied science teacher, I felt a scientific approach was my best plan.

   Here was my plan:

• Shoot a 20 gauge the first round and a 16 gauge the second round. I reluctantly put my trusty 12 gauge Browning aside thinking I was reacting too much to the pre-conceived recoil of the larger bore gun.
• Use only improved cylinder chokes in the 20 gauge and mod and full chokes in the 16 gauge.  (The 16 gauge has fixed chokes) I felt I was depending too much on the choke restriction to hit the targets.
• Reload a slightly lower amount of powder (Unique powder) in each of the shells for the previously mentioned guns.  Again, I was worried about recovering in time for a second shot after the recoil of the first shot. (I'm a cheap person too!)
• Use 7 1/2 sized shot always.  I questioned if I was thinking too much about having different sized shot available for closer or more distant targets.
• Concentrate fully on pointing my lead foot to where I wanted to break the target and swung the gun half way back to the thrower.
•  Lift my head slightly to see the target first and placed the stock to my cheek only when I could see the moving target.  I thougt I was seeing the target too slowly and  was consistently shooting behind it.
• Shot at the leading edge of the target unless the target was a fast crosser.  Then I lead it no more than my perceived picture of a 12 inch ruler. (I like Math too)
• Lean into the shot before the target was thrown to minimize recoil effects and "poke and hope" shooting.

    My plan was to simplify my shooting, but I realize as I write this article that the plan was not really that easy.  The technique was easy for me to duplicate since some of it was pre-planned in the preparation of the guns and ammunition.  The plan worked very well until last weeks mis-adventure.  Now my confidence is at a low ebb and I am tempted to throw it all out and begin experimenting anew.

    I have thought long and hard about what caused my bad day.  Here are some reasons (or are they excuses?) I concluded.

• New contact lenses after a bout of pink eye.
• Less clothing on my shoulder.  It was a warmer day.
• Slightly different courses than I am accustomed to.
• Over-confidence.
• Lack of concentration!  I seemed to have a real problem with visualization and comfort that day.  I noticed I missed targets when I didn't plan where to shoot them properly.  I didn't watch the show birds well enough.  Brain block?
• When I stared missing, I had a tendency to ride the target and aim too much.  I did too much second guessing.

    Humm.....  I seem to have answered my own question.  The guns, ammunition, and chokes where the same as usual, not me!  I guess I should write the day off, relax, and look forward to shooting again next weekend.  (good luck doing that!) 

    What do you do when you have a bad shooting experience?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Load 'em up, shoot a lot, and have fun with Sporting Clays.

    From your humbled fellow shooter- Mark.

          Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote! - Benjamin Franklin

Are These Sporting Clays Shooting Mistakes I See?

    I have decided to return to the reason I started this blog about shooting sporting clays: describing how I have grown/matured in shooting over the past seven years.  As I shoot with other enthusiasts, I notice certain actions, both physical and mental, that seem to affect success in breaking those maddening clay targets.  Have you noticed these actions too?  Please let me know of actions you observe that affect shooting success in addition to mine.

1. Too much movement of the gun right before calling for the target.  The shooter waves the gun in a random pattern not related to the bird's projected path.
2. Holding the gun too high or too low.  It looks like to gun is too heavy to pre-mount successfully.  They must move their gun excessively to get to the target's path.
3. Focusing constantly on the bead of the barrel and not the path of the target.  The shooters seem to think they need to aim through the entire path of the target.
4. Bringing the gun back too far in the early path of the target.  These people have a tendency to shoot behind the target constantly because they can't catch up with it.  Not bringing the gun back far enough also seems to be a problem.
5. Pointing the lead foot to where they can first see the target instead of where they want to break it.  I read somewhere that the further you have to twist your body from a comfortable position, the lower the gun points as you swing through.
6. Poking and hoping.  The shooter seems to have an idea of where he/she wants to break the target, but he/she flinches forward, stops the gun, pulls the trigger, and usually misses the target, or at least randomly misses it.
7. Pre-conceiving the recoil of the gun.  The shooter worries more about the coming recoil than the presentation of the target.  Many shooters profit from lower recoil loads, or by shooting semi-automatics to lessen the recoil.  More power usually doesn't result in more broken targets if you are not comfortable with the recoil of the gun.  Some shooters don't notice how much the gun leaps after they shoot, and how much they have to reset the gun's mounting before they can shoot again.
8. Focusing more on choke choice, shot size, shell load, or gun gauge than consistent technique.  Good (great) shooters have confidence that they can break targets regardless of the above choices.
9. Stepping into the station after admitting they will break very few of the targets.  Isn't it amazing how a good mental attitude can affect shooting success?
10. Keeping the cheek in a constant position on the stock when the trigger is to be pulled.  Some shooters keep their cheeks against the stock through the entire target path while others wait until the target approaches the chosen breaking point.  Did you ever lift your head to admire the break of the first target and completely miss a second target of a pair?
11. Ill-functioning guns or shell "bloopers".  If the shooter has to worry if the gun is going to fire or cycle, or if the shell has been loaded properly, then broken target success is limited. 
12. Stubbornness or erratic technique.  My dad was probably the most bull-headed man I have ever met!  If someone suggested a change in his shooting technique, he would never be willing to change.  Some shooters change their techniques at the drop of a hat, listening too much to the advice of others shooters.  Ha!  At least my dad should never have been confused!
13. Last, but not least, focusing on the task at hand:  breaking the target.  Focusing is a mysterious concept that few shooters seem to notice or admit even exists.  Does focusing include confidence, vision, learned techniques from a lot of practicing, dedication, intelligence, being "right or left" brained (or no brained like me), relaxation ability, breathing techniques, or posture?  Focusing is probably affected by all of these to some extent.  Are these aspects of focusing why sporting clays is a difficult sport?

    As I have matured through the trial and error process of becoming a better shooter, correcting the above mistakes have definitely improved my ability to break targets.  I have become more consistent and more confident when I step into a station.  What has helped you the most?

Top Ten Reasons Why Men Shoot Sporting Clays

    I'm sure the topic of why men shoot sporting clays has been discussed before.  I'm also sure women wonder why men do anything they do.  I didn't include women in this article because it's impossible for men to talk for women, let alone figure them out.  This discussion could apply to many other activities like golf, fishing, hunting, or even stamp collecting.  Some of the items on my list could overlap with others, but here it goes.

1. Genetic-  Does the male Y chromosome contain a gene that makes us competitive? As I mentioned in an earlier post, in early times, some men were better hunter-gatherers than they were crop tenders, or herders. 
2. Risk Taking-  This item may relate to number 1, but I felt it should be considered separately.  Shooting sports are dangerous if not done carefully. 
3. Exercise-  Walking between stations is good exercise, unless you have a friend who has a golf cart.  It is not a lot of exercise getting in and out of a cart.  Ha.

4. Competition- Men receive personal satisfaction, a "high", showing their prowess in the presence of other shooters.
5. Family-  Many men were introduced to shooting by a family member and relish the memories of these people and events.
6. Social -  Shooting sporting clays provides men an opportunity to meet others and make strong, lasting relationships.
7. Mental Release (Relaxation)-  Every man needs a way to escape the pressures of work, family life, or political realities.  I have noticed that breaking targets may relieve aggressive feelings in men.  Nobody cares if you totally kill or destroy the target.
8. Problem Solving-  Sporting clays provides a myriad of challenges of which gun, which ammunition, which positioning techniques, or which mental posturing works best.  Shooters either consciously or subconsciously work on these challenges each time they shoot.  I have to admit these challenges keep me coming back to the course each week.
9. Self-Esteem-  Sporting clays provides a man with an opportunity to "stand out" and be noticed.  Being physically fit and healthy probably could make the shooter better, but it is not as essential as in other competitive sports.  (I say that because I do look in the mirror.)  Sporting clays is also more age independent than other sports.  Men admire older men who can still shoot well.
10. Discipline-  Shooting sporting clays (successfully) requires that a shooter uses the same techniques over and over, plans, plots, and tests.  Mental discipline is equally important.  Have you ever had to shoot a round quickly to get home for an appointment?  You usually don't have a good day.

    I hope you like this list and it is different from others that you have read.  It was very difficult to define precisely the differences between each of the ten categories.  Perhaps I could sum it all up and say sporting clays is fun and these ten categories define having fun for men.  Have I left out some important ideas that you have?  How would you rank them?

“If you're not making mistakes, you're not taking risks, and that means you're not going anywhere. The key is to make mistakes faster than the competition, so you have more changes to learn and win.”
 John W. Holt

Have You Ever Heard a Shooter Say This?

    As I visited different sporting clays facilities, I heard many repeated sayings or expressions.  Some I can mention here; others I cannot because they were said in disgust, not fit for some peoples' ears.  Are these expressions global to all sporting clays shooters, or are they the lingo of regional shooters?  Probably a little of both.

    Here is a list of the expressions and a brief description of what I think they mean:

• "Light, but right!"  The clay was chipped slightly to the relief of the shooter.
• "A chipped target counts the same as a dusted target on the score sheet."  Same as above.
• "Shoot the bird before it transitions."  The bird is easier to break before it changes its trajectory and speed.
• "That wasn't a chip off the target, it was a blowing leaf."  A friendly tease to a fellow shooter.
• "I shot behind the target."  A good excuse for missing the bird, but the shooter probably doesn't know why the target was missed.
• "Keep your head on the stock, dummy."  Usually said when a shooter breaks a pair of birds after missing the previous pair.
• "A real bird flying by caught my eye."  Probably a real distraction.
• "Nothing but dust!"  The expression of onlookers when a bird is hit hard.
• "Put your pattern in close proximity of the presented target."  Usually said when someone complains that a particular target presentation looks too difficult.
• "I stopped the gun, pulled the trigger and missed the target."  Every shooter has this problem, especially as they mature in shooting technique.
• "Oops, I forgot to take the safety off and about bent the trigger."  The safety on some guns must be turned off after the gun is broken open or reloaded.
• "I know a good gunsmith who could fix that safety problem for you."  This expression usually follows the one above.
• "I just can't see the targets properly today."  We all have excuses to rationalize our misses.
• "Even a blind squirrel gets a nut sometimes." Said after someone breaks all the targets at a station.
•  "You ever have a bad day shooting when you just want to get it over with so you can come back the next time sooner?" Really having a bad day.
• "This year I decided to be more positive;  I positively missed that target." Enough said.
• "You didn't miss the target because of the jerk of the gun; it was the jerk on the gun,"  A great description of my shooting.

    This blog turned into a longer expressions list than I had planned, but I hope you enjoyed them.  What is your favorite expression when shooting sporting clays?  I am sure there are many funny ones you have heard.

    How about my usual gripe?  I am amazed about the price of reloading supplies.  Some local suppliers charge unrealistic prices because they know there is not much competition in the area.  I find it difficult to drive 100 miles and rationalize the cost of driving there along with the safety risk.  Not all shooters trust the Internet to order supplies and don't have the money to order in large quantities.  What do you do?

"One nice thing about egotists: they don't talk about other people." - George Carlin

   

So, How About Those Stoegers and Other "Cheaper" Guns?

    As I promised in earlier posts, I wanted to talk about my experiences with different shotguns, especially the Stoeger brand.  Many discussion sites refer to the Stoeger as the "farmer's gun"; good enough to shoot an occasional rabbit or ground hog, but not a true sportsman's shotgun.  Is it true that the shotgun buyer gets more reliability and precision as the price of the gun increases?  Does an Audi make you a better driver than a Hyundi driver?  Humm....  Do Sporting Clays shooters shoot a very expensive gun for the same reasons that they live in too expensive homes, drive too expensive cars, or wear too expensive clothes?  The very people who complain about "throw-away" shotguns are the very ones who could most easily afford to replace cheaper, unusable shotguns.

    I have asked shooters why they shoot such an expensive shotgun in Ohio's unpredictable weather.  Here are some answers I received:

1. "You get what you pay for."
2. "This gun guarantees better precision in my shooting; I break more targets."
3. "Cheaper guns need more repair, or could fall apart, or explode."
4. "Because I can afford one."
5. "Because I didn't have one."
6. " I look good carrying it."
7. "I always wanted one."
8. "My wife told me I had to buy one." (Obviously tongue-in-cheek!)
9. "Serious shooters use serious equipment."
10. "This gun feels good when I hold it."

    Which of the above statements can you identify with?  Are any of the statements entirely true?  No, I suggest.  Has anyone on the  Internet or the nay-sayers on the Forum sites presented scientific data identifying the number of shots a Stoeger or other "off brand" can withstand before it falls apart or malfunctions?  Not that I have seen.  I think the shotgun a Sporting Clays shooter uses depends more on personal preference than quality or precision.  I am the first to admit that the small percentage of shooters that pull the trigger thousands of time a month at competitions must have better equipment.  Did I just say that or does that expensive gun make them feel more confident or more competent?  What do you think?  Has it been your observation that superior shooters can hit targets very well regardless of the brand of gun they use?

    I chose to use Stoegers because they are cheaper and I can afford to have a greater variety of gauges with different barrel lengths, etc.  (Maybe I have a hidden urge to collect guns?) I can testify that I have not had one problem with Stoegers. (Hear me knocking on wood?)  I have had to repair my 1187 and Browning Ultra XS.  I have endured teasing and friendly insults about my Stoegers.  "You hit both targets, the Condor has landed!  Squawaak!"  "You would have hit that target using a real shotgun."  Stoegers feel good, shoot well, and break targets...for me.  (I shoot 100 to 200 rounds a week.)

    I am not trying to convince readers to go out and buy a Stoeger solely on my say so.  I am trying to convince readers that they shoot their own preference in shotguns.  Why are shotgunning forums so over-run with "brand" bragging?  Some of the best strengths that attract people to Sporting Clays are the great availability of different guns, ammunition, courses, clothing, and the people who use them.  There is no perfect gun, no perfect ammunition, no perfect course, or no perfect clothing, let alone a perfect person.  Some shotgun owners remind me of the person who always has to "one up" all of your stories.  " Well now, my collector Birdbuster gun has......."  You fill in the blank. 
    Technique that comes from trial and error (Boy,  have I erred at times!), practice, and some good heart-felt advice can and will make for a better shooter.  (I'm too cheap for lessons.)  Worrying about others' opinions will not.
    Old Man Philosophy:  Shooters, like golfers, depend more on their equipment than themselves for success in breaking targets.
    Thank you for reading my posts.  I hope I have been able to provide you with "food for thought" and some reinforcement for your thoughts.

    "I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it."- Clint Eastwood
   
 

Definite Sporting Clays Ramblings

    As I think about shooting sporting clays, I gain an appreciation of how difficult it is to write about experiences that will interest other readers and be different from the other materials available on the Internet.  I believe writers call it "brain freeze".  I admit I don't have much of a brain to be affected by this famous phenomenon, but some questions have repeatedly concerned me as I continue to shoot.

• Am I writing this post to give advice to other shooters?
• Is my goal to try to become a tournament sporting clays shooter?
• Am I ever going to be (or want to be) an expert shooter by getting professional instruction?

• How much of this game is physical, and how much is mental?

    The first three are easy to answer.  No, not at the present time, but the answer could change.  The last question has been debated endlessly in any sport or activity and the Internet is loaded with wonderful personal accounts of the writer's perceived bias.
    Let's face it.  Some shooters have more natural ability than other shooters!  I was told once that great athletes make great coaches.  I think great coaches have the ability to channel the athletic ability of their available players to make the team successful. This thinking leads me to one goal for me.  I must use effectively what abilities I have and not become confused or frustrated with all the "gibber-jab" I hear about or read about from others.
    So, here are some mistakes I have made that affected me when trying to become a more effective shooter. These are not intended to be advice, but just my personal experiences.

1. More shot shell power doesn't relate to breaking more targets; usually the opposite is true to a point, of course.  Reloading my own shells has helped.
2. More expensive (better?) guns shoot better because of more consistent functionality and my perceived confidence in them. Poofs and misfires do affect me.
3. Consistency in breaking targets has resulted from using the same choke tubes in which I have confidence.
4. Shooting with friends is less stressful and more fun than shooting with strangers.
5. Shooting a course with the idea of "beating some one's pants off", or getting even doesn't work.
6. Shooting with one eye shut doesn't work for me.
7. Pointing my lead foot too close to, or too far away from where I can break the target affects my score.
8. Trying to calculate the proper lead on a crossing or falling target makes me stop the gun and miss the target.
9. The ability to concentrate on a particular day does affect my score. (Maybe some of that "psycho-babble" is true.)  Rushing home to see my favorite football team play is a culprit.
10. I cannot "spot shoot" unless forced to so by the target presentation.
11. Shooting a different gun or a different gauge of gun keeps me from getting bored and creates a personal challenge.
12. Shooting in too large a squad or too small a squad affects my score.

    These are just a few of my thoughts, and I'm sure you've had similar experiences.  Have I missed some big experiences you notice?  Please let me know of some of your preferences or observations that may be different from mine.

    I can't close without a promised complaint.  Why do some courses feel the necessity of making the course so difficult?  Most shooters come to break targets, not to be challenged to a point of frustration.  "How do you ever get better unless you shoot at very difficult or nearly impossible targets?", you ask.  Not every shooter desires becoming a tournament or professional shooter.  It reminds me of going pheasant hunting as a young boy with members of my family.  We didn't care how many pheasants we saw or got, it was the fun and fellowship we shared that was important.  I would hope that the people who own and set up the courses are trying to get shooters to come back again, not drive them away.  I do appreciate some locations that provide differing levels of challenges for different shooters.
   Sorry to ramble on so much.  Come back and keep shooting.

Bad Weather Job

    Wow, the weather in Ohio is really cold, so I don't think I'll shoot this week.  However, I did look at my reloading area here in the basement and realized I should clean up some of the clutter that had accumulated since I started reloading.  After moving some of the larger objects around, I found that the clutter fell into ten distinct categories.  Here we go:

1. Rabbit clutter - clutter that seems to multiply fast, like empty shell casings and empty shell boxes.
2. Get-to-it-someday clutter - equipment that needs to be fixed or installed.
3. Memories clutter - old shooting pictures (Who are those people?), trophies (one!), patches, and old emails from shooting friends.
4. Mysterious clutter - objects you find, you're not sure what they are, but you decide you might need them some day.
5. Paraphernalia clutter - extra gloves, sun screen lotion, hats, sunglasses, shooting vests, ear waxed ear plugs, and insects repellent.
6. It used to be important clutter - old powder containers, bags containing 6 to 10 old wads that you no longer use, pages of reloading information, and psychological shooting strategies gleaned from the Internet.
7. Inheritance clutter - old shotgun shells you got from your dad or uncle, their old hats, old shotguns that you are scared to fire, and die sets for reloaders you've never heard of.
8. Gluttony clutter - old McDonald's wrappers, dirty coffee cups, candy bar wrappers (never partially eaten contents), empty Diet Coke cans, and stained paper plates.
9. Miscellaneous clutter - found stuffed in one of the few drawers you have, and you don't know what to do with it.
10. Snob clutter - Winchester coffee cups, long outdated Browning calendars, $75 titanium choke tubes that work no better than $30 Carlson choke tubes, a Krieghoff catalogue, and John Deere pocket knives with one broken blade.

    So, what is a super-organized guy, like me (OK, I lie!) to do?  I could get several garbage bags and start throwing things away;  I could build more storage cabinets so I could close the doors and hide the clutter; I could buy 8-10 large plastic storage containers so I would have to search through all of them to find something I needed; or I could  just keep stepping over and around stuff.

     What did I do?  First, I sat down and typed this post so I wouldn't have to organize the clutter.  After all, I know where things are located and a new system would just further confuse my 60 year old brain!

    Truthfully, next, I did use the opportunity to take pictures of all my shooting "stuff", priced them, and placed the pictures and pricing information on my computer into a database.  ( A computer nerd and a shooter?  Say what!) I guess all shooters worry about something happening to them and the family not knowing the value of all their treasures.

    I then went to "WallyWorld" and purchased large, clear plastic containers ( so I could see into them without opening them) to place the possessions into. (Yes, I did buy a large waste paper basket).  Finally, I fired up the old Brother label maker to mark the boxes and typed a list of the contents to be placed in each container.  Phew!  I'm so tired I need to go shooting to recover!  Do you have more ideas about how to deal with clutter?

Remember, a chip is still a broken target!  Have fun.

"To disarm the people is the most effectual way to enslave them."
- George Mason

Choosing to Choose Sporting Clays Success?

    Shooting is fun; whether shooting bows, pistols, rifles, shotguns, slingshots, marbles, or rubberbands.  We have a great variety of ammunition for each type of gun.  I've read that in man's early history, some men were better meat gatherers than land tillers or herders.  (or tax collectors) Maybe that explains the presence and popularity of so many weapons in the United States.  Humm...  Back to my article.

    I guess the shooter has to decide whether to specialize in one specific gun and ammunition or to shoot a wider variety of guns and ammunition.  Even though I am very competitive, I've chosen the middle ground: limiting myself to sporting clays and using several different gauges and different guns.  How, do you ask, can I become a competent shooter by switching guns each round each different day?  Good question.  I still get frustrated when my scores are not very consistent, but I get pure joy and satisfaction just shooting with great friends.  I worked inside for 38 years and shooting sporting clays is a great release.  I've observed contestants at big events literally shaking between shots.  Why would I want that much pressure again like teaching and coaching?

    I would be the first to admit that I do receive satisfaction when I beat someone when I shoot a .410 gauge and they shoot a 12 gauge.  Ha!  I have found out, however, that I do shoot my 12 gauge much better after a completing a round with a smaller gauge gun. 
   Now, back to the title of this post.  To prevent boredom and to satisfy my scientific mind, I have worked on the following procedures:

1. Changed choke tubes according to the target's distance and presentation.
2. Used the same choke tubes regardless of the target's distance and presentation.  Both open, or both skeet, or both I.C., or both Mod.  I even mixed them all at random.
3. Compared the ability of shot  sizes #7 1/2, #8, and #9 to break targets.
4. Compared Clays, Longshot, Red Dot, Universal Clays, Winchester Lite, and Unique powders in ease of reloading and "bang" factor when shooting.
5. Recently, shot 1 ounce 12 gauge and 7/8 ounce 12 gauge loads.
6. Shot guns with shorter barrels compared to guns with longer barrels.
7. Spun around to the left before shooting at each station. (You think?  Ha!)
8. Visualized the breaking point of the target, took 2 deep breaths, (got dizzy)  practiced  mounting the gun before the shot, and told myself I would break the target, and drank coffee only after I had completed the round. (Been reading too much, huh?)

    Wow!  Sounds like a mess doesn't it?  I have settled on certain results of this haphazard testing:  I do carry cartridges loaded with # 7 1/2, #8, and #9 sized shot for closer or more distant targets.  The # 8 and #9 shot is loaded with Winchester Lite powder with published recipes for 1 ounce and 7/8 ounce loads.  I use mostly I.C. choke tubes, but keep Mod choke tubes available for longer shots.  I found using skeet or open chokes didn't help me break more targets significantly.  I also chose Unique powder as the major propellent because I found good Unique recipes for the 12, 16, and 20 gauges.  I did find it easier to shoot lighter, shorter guns, but longer guns fit me better and therefore I broke more targets with them.  In a later post, I will discuss my adventures with different brands of guns.  If you are having a bad day, try spinning around to the left at each station.  Ha!  Believe it or not, I have seen shooters start hitting targets again following this technique.  Do you think relaxing helps?
    What are some of your preferences?  Is there anything I missed?

    I just spent several paragraphs and too many word for my 60 year old mind to handle coming to two final ideas:  C O N F I D E N C E!  C O M F O R T!  If I am confident and comfortable with whatever groups of variables I am using while shooting, I do break more targets more consistently.  Some of the "old guys" I shoot with say "Do what works for you."  Maybe some day I will really get serious. 

    I was observing a grandfather giving his grandson tips on shooting techniques,  "Place your left foot forward."  "Put 70% of your weight on your left foot."  "Crouch by bending your knees to a 1/4 squat." "Call for the target", etc, etc.  When the young boy didn't call for the target, grandpa was puzzled.  "What's your problem, son?"  "Can't move!"  said the boy.  Ha!  Ever been there?

    At least I don't get bored, and I can blame missing a target on "Darn Brownings", "Too long a shot for a .410 gauge.",  "Condors are junk!", or "Oops, I had the wrong choke in the gun."
    What is my next shooting gripe?  Manufacturers not making more new true 16 gauge guns, ammo, and reloading supplies.  We all can't afford those old "sweet 16's"
   Have fun!  Keep "shootin".

Unexpected Reloading "Fun"

    Greetings!  Is there a reason to reload your spent shotshells when component prices have increased so much?  "Yes", some serious shooters say because the reloads will be more evenly powered and accurate than purchased shells.  "No", other shooters say because reloading is difficult, time consuming, and exasperating.  Reloading my own shotshells was a logical progression in my interest in shooting sporting clays.  I wanted the experience and cost was not the main issue. (It is definitely cheaper to reload .410 and 28 gauge than purchasing them.)  Also, I like to experiment because I am an old science teacher.

    First, after some advice from other reloaders, I purchased a MEC Sizemaster 12 gauge reloader.  Next, I researched the internet and read the instructions very carefully.  I chose Clays powder, figure 8 wads, 209 primers, and green STS shells.  Finally, with the proper charge bar bushing, I embarked on my adventure with reloading.

    Some early observations:

• I didn't have enough hands to follow the process with any speed.
• Lead shot and powder have a tendency to cover the full extent of your reloading area.
• Pouring lead shot in the shot bottle is next to impossible without a good funnel. See above.
• Some final crimps were too deep, some crimps had holes that loose lead fell out of.  Re-read observation 2.
• Some of my first creations had crinkles in the sides of the shells.  Yes, I finally read all the directions and made suggested adjustments to the reloader.
• I didn't make sure a new primer fell into the reloading slot.  Guess what falls out the bottom of the shell when it has no primer.  Re-read observation 2.
• Those darn shells are really slick.  Re-read observation 2.
• Someone distracts me ( or I become engrossed in a sports program on T.V.) half way through the process and I can't remember where I left off.
• It is easy to invent swear words during early reloading attempts.  It's hard to believe a machine can be in the wrong and ruin my shells.
• It is a good idea to check the shot and powder bottles regularily when reloading.  Humm... how many shells did I reload with an empty powder container?

    I am exaggerating somewhat, ( you think?), and after reloading the first couple of boxes, I  began loading shells that any shooter would be proud of.  They were pretty, felt balanced, and fit in my gun.  Now a troublesome question arose.  Have you seen pictures of exploded guns and the physical mayhem that results from a bad shell?  I though about putting an old shotgun in a vice, tying a string to the trigger, and hiding behind an over-turned picnic table, and then setting the gun off.  Finally, I got up the nerve and tested the reloads on a sporting clays course.  For some reason, I didn't hit the first few targets.  I finally realized I must open my eyes when shooting!  Ha!  I have reloaded ever since.  Have you had similar or different experiences?

    Now, some grumbling.  I needed to Internet research some reloading information about 16 gauge shells.  This gauge has fallen into disfavor with the "clay gods" and good information is scarce.  I found some sites that wanted me to pay for the information or join a special 16 gauge group by paying a group fee.  I can understand a company wanting to make money, but the same company sells the required reloading components.  Kind of defeats the purpose of their company!  I thought shooting was a sport where participants freely shared information to enhance the growth of the sport.  This selfish attitude of not freely sharing reloading information is typical of arrogant, elitist actions.

    Phew, now I feel better.  My New Year's resolution was to be more positive.  I was positively upset.  Ha!  Have fun shooting and embrace the sport for what it is.